Oriontimes

  More than 38,000 women and girls have been killed in Gaza between October 2023 and December 2025, according to a new analysis by UN Women, highlighting the devastating toll of the conflict on vulnerable populations. The report, released six months after the October 2025 ceasefire, revealed that over 22,000 women and 16,000 girls lost their lives during the period, averaging at least 47 deaths per day. Despite the ceasefire, Gaza continues to witness persistent threats to the lives of women and girls, with reports indicating that killings have not completely stopped in recent months. Titled The Cost of the War in Gaza on Women and Girls, the report also noted that nearly 11,000 women and girls sustained injuries, many resulting in lifelong disabilities. However, the actual figures could be higher, as numerous bodies remain buried under rubble, while the collapse of health data systems has limited accurate documentation. Speaking on the findings, Moez Doraid described the situation...

  Frank Lampard has guided Coventry City back to the Premier League, marking the club’s long-awaited return to England’s top division for the first time in 25 years. Coventry sealed their promotion following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Friday. The result was enough to secure one of the two automatic promotion spots, sparking celebrations among players, staff, and fans. The achievement represents a remarkable milestone for the Sky Blues, who have endured years outside the elite tier since their relegation in 2001. Under Lampard’s leadership, the club has shown resilience, tactical discipline, and renewed ambition throughout the campaign. For Lampard, the promotion adds another significant chapter to his managerial journey, reinforcing his credentials as he successfully steers Coventry back into the spotlight of English football. Coventry City will now prepare for life in the Premier League, where they will face some of the biggest clubs in world ...

 President Adama Barrow of The Gambia on Thursday joined fellow African leaders in Brazzaville for the inauguration of Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, underscoring The Gambia’s commitment to regional cooperation and democratic governance. Barrow attended the swearing-in ceremony as a special guest, reaffirming his country’s dedication to strengthening diplomatic ties across the continent and supporting democratic processes, including free and fair elections. Large crowds of Congolese citizens lined major routes leading to the Stade de l’Unité, celebrating Nguesso’s inauguration for another term as Head of State. The atmosphere was vibrant, with cultural displays, music, and colourful traditional attire reflecting the nation’s rich heritage. Brazzaville became a focal point for African diplomacy, hosting numerous Heads of State and high-level delegations who gathered to witness the ceremony. The event, marked by the oath of office, signaled the beginning of a new mandate f...

The football world has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who reportedly died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train. According to multiple international media reports, the incident occurred at a railway crossing in Austria, where Manninger’s vehicle was hit in a devastating collision. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. Manninger, a former Austrian international, enjoyed a distinguished career across Europe, featuring for top clubs including Arsenal and Juventus. He was part of the Arsenal squad under Arsène Wenger during the late 1990s, contributing to the club’s domestic successes and earning admiration for his composure and professionalism. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the football community, with former teammates, clubs, and fans expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss. Wenger, who managed Manninger during his time in Nort...

Oriontimes Political Desk| April 16, 2026  The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on a member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, describing his recent comments against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governorship candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), and campaign Director-General Wole Oke as “uncharitable, ill-informed and misleading.” In a press statement issued on April 16, 2026, the party accused Salam, who represents Ede-North/Ede-South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, of acting out of political frustration and desperation ahead of the forthcoming Osun governorship election. The APC said Salam’s remarks during a television appearance were “unguarded and derogatory,” particularly his description of Oyebamiji as a “weakling.” The party defended its candidate as a competent and accomplished figure with a proven track record in both public and private sectors. The statement further alleged that Salam’...

 A resurfaced social media post by Rauf Aregbesola has stirred fresh political conversations following his recent criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The post, originally shared in 2017 and now circulating widely on X (formerly Twitter), shows Aregbesola openly praising Tinubu’s leadership. In the message, the former Osun State governor acknowledged Tinubu’s influence on his political journey, crediting him for guidance and support that helped shape his career. The renewed attention comes on the heels of Aregbesola’s recent remark describing the current government as a “government of scammers,” a statement that has sparked debate across political circles and among the public. The contrast between his past admiration and present criticism highlights the shifting dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape. While some analysts sees the resurfaced tweet as evidence of inconsistency, others argue it reflects evolving perspectives shaped by current realities. The...

 A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered a troubling pattern within parts of the United Kingdom’s immigration advisory system, where some legal advisers are allegedly coaching migrants to fabricate claims about their sexual orientation in order to secure asylum. The undercover probe revealed that certain advisers and small law firms are instructing migrants to present themselves as gay or part of the LGBTQ+ community—regardless of their true identity—to strengthen their chances of avoiding deportation. In some cases, migrants were reportedly guided on how to construct convincing personal narratives, obtain fabricated evidence, and rehearse responses for asylum interviews. These services, according to findings, often come at a high cost, with vulnerable migrants paying thousands of pounds for assistance that is both unethical and illegal. Under UK asylum laws, individuals who face persecution in their home countries due to their sexual orientation may qualify for protection....